Roll Forming Machine Maintenance

There are many manufacturers of roll forming equipment, and whether it is a roof panel roll forming machine or a profile roll forming machine, their maintenance requirements are very similar. Follow these basic requirements and you will have a machine that will run well for a long time.

Roller Maintenance

Most roll forming machines use metal forming rollers. Remember not to use any overly harsh cleaners for cleaning. Let the machine run for a few minutes, then turn it off and wipe the rollers with a clean cloth to remove as much dust and dirt as possible. Then use a clean cloth dipped in 409 lubricant to wipe the rollers, then start the machine and run it forward slowly, turn the machine off again, wipe the other side of the rollers and the bottom roller to wipe off any excess dirt or liquid. Repeat if necessary. Repeat these steps once a month and remember to make sure the roll surface is clean and free of dirt before feeding the material into the machine for the first time, otherwise it will leave marks on the material.

Blade Maintenance

Any roll forming machine must keep the cutting blades well lubricated to ensure that the formed product is cut cleanly. Lubricate the blades daily with 3-in-1 motor oil or No. 10 motor oil. Do not use WD-40; it is not a lubricant. WD stands for water-displacement lubricant, and this product is made with a cleaning and degreasing solvent called Stoddard's solvent. This solvent eventually becomes viscous and ineffective in lubricating the blades. It can wear down the blades, resulting in less clean cuts.

Overall Cleaning

Wiping down the entire machine also gives you an opportunity to inspect it carefully. As with any piece of machinery, keeping it clean extends its life and simplifies maintenance. Regular cleaning only takes a few minutes and will save you significant time in the long run, eliminating the need to clean up hundreds of feet of product later. After cleaning the rolls, vacuum any remaining debris inside the machine. Blowing the machine dry with compressed air is not a good idea, as it can blow debris onto the chain and bearings.

At least once a year, lubricate all chains on the roll former with motorcycle chain oil. Keep the chain drives (top and bottom) tight. Each position is adjustable. Otherwise, if the chain has too much slack, the chain may jump onto the sprocket teeth, causing the sprocket to wear and eventually require replacement.